Fried Cornmeal Mush With Tomato Gravy

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
Crispy, golden cornmeal slices served with a rich, savory tomato gravy for a hearty Southern comfort meal.
Fried Cornmeal Mush With Tomato Gravy recipe image

Fried Cornmeal Mush With Tomato Gravy

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 271.5

Description

This classic Southern dish transforms simple cornmeal into a comforting, hearty meal. The cornmeal mush is cooked until thick, chilled overnight to set, and then sliced into uniform rounds. These slices are dredged in flour and pan-fried until they develop a satisfyingly crisp, golden exterior while remaining tender inside. Served alongside a robust, savory tomato gravy, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It is an ideal choice for a cozy breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a unique vegetarian dinner option. The combination of the nutty cornmeal and the bright acidity of the tomato sauce creates a nostalgic, home-style experience that is both rustic and elegant.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, and cold water. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
  2. Bring the hot water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan over high heat.
  3. Gradually whisk the cornmeal mixture into the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
  4. Continue to stir and whisk vigorously until the mixture returns to a boil and begins to thicken.
  5. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let the mush simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat. The mixture should be very thick. Pour it immediately into an oiled 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
  7. Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours, until completely firm.
  8. Remove the pan from the refrigerator. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the mush, then invert onto a cutting board.
  9. Cut the loaf into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  10. Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  11. Dredge 3 or 4 slices in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  12. Place the dredged slices in the skillet and fry until golden brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes.
  13. Flip the slices and fry until golden brown on the other side, about 3-4 minutes more.
  14. Transfer fried slices to a plate. Add more oil to the skillet as needed and repeat with remaining slices.
  15. Serve the fried cornmeal mush warm, accompanied by tomato gravy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 271.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.0g5%
Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 4887.0mg204%
Total Carbohydrate 56.2g19%
Dietary Fiber 5.5g22%
Sugars 1.8g
Protein 6.1g13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cornmeal, mush, fried, gravy, tomato, southern, comfort, breakfast, vegan, crispy, pan-fried, homestyle, grain, dinner, vegetarian, savory, brunch, rustic, hearty, classic
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